ACE MUSIC PRODUCER ON REFORMING A DREAM BRITISH PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW SONG NAKHRE
by ASJAD NAZIR
ONE of the UK’s most legendary musical partnerships has been between music producer Rishi Rich and chart-topping singer Jay Sean.
Their early collaborations like hit 2003 single Dance With You and 2004 album Me Against Myself not only crossed new frontiers, but also inspired a new generation of artists. Although both went down different musical paths, the close friends always remained connected and have now teamed up again for brand new single Nakhre.
Like their early collaborations, the newly released r’n’b song has surprises that include Jay singing in Punjabi for the first time and a tribute to their early boundary-breaking work.
Eastern Eye caught up with Rishi Rich to discuss Nakhre, his record label, knack for discovering new talent and partnership with Jay Sean.
How does setting up your new record label compare to all the other musical projects you have done?
I think setting up the label is a completely different feeling all together. I love working on music for different artists and labels, but when it’s your own it feels different. Having a label previously really set me up to run the new label Break The Noise Records with my team, in such a focused way. It’s been great so far.
You have a great knack for finding new talent, where does that come from?
I get asked this question a lot, and to be honest, I don’t know. I guess from a very early age, when I was at school in Harrow, I always enjoyed forming bands and being part of different music acts, which eventually led me to really enjoying working and discovering new talent and artists.
Is there one achievement that you are most proud of?
I don’t know if there’s one particular thing, but if I had to choose, then it was working on the music for (Bollywood film) Gully Boy and also setting up the new label.
What made you want to collaborate with Jay Sean again?
Jay and I have been talking for years about doing music together again. It was just about being in the right space and the right time. It’s been great being back with Jay and we’ve worked in some incredible music in the past year.
Tell us about the new song?
The new track Nakhre has a great vibe. A real 1990’s Bollywood sample vibe, which I took from the film Baazigar. It was actually Jay who mentioned he wanted me to sample something from 1990’s Bollywood, as that’s his favourite. So, we were together in Mumbai – myself Jay and Kiranee – and in the studio we just created this. It was such a great energy in the room that day.
Has the way you both work together changed?
Nothing has changed at all. When Jay and I are together in the studio there is this chemistry which I can’t explain, but it’s magic. And it has always been there from day one.
What do you most like about him as an artist?
I love the way that Jay has evolved as an artist. He’s become such an incredible songwriter and overall, has just stayed very focused on his career.
Musically, what can we expect next from you?
I have some very exciting music coming out, especially with my label and with new artists. I also have scored a few Netflix series, which I’m very excited about.
What keeps your motivation levels so high after all these years?
I think motivation is something which has been with me from the start. I love producing music and that spark will always be there. I just love a challenge.
What inspires you musically?
I take inspiration from so many different things. I think being in a good space and focused. I’m always listening to music, be it old or new, and discovering new artists. All this is very inspiring for me.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.